Footwear with magnetic closures

ABSTRACT

Footwear with magnetic closures are disclosed. Footwear include a shell with a heel section and a front section defining a lateral slit and a medial slit between the heel section and the front section. Footwear have a lateral magnetic closure associated with the lateral slit and a medial magnetic closure associated with the medial slit. The heel section is configured to support a user&#39;s heel when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are closed. Further, the heel section is configured to flex rearward to expose a rear foot passage when the lateral magnetic closure and medial magnetic closure are open.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/934,581, which was filed on Jan. 31, 2014, and the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to footwear with magnetic closures.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals lack the coordination or flexibility to put on footwear that uses laces, straps, buckles, or other fastening mechanisms that provide firm foot support. For example, young, elderly, ill, or disabled individuals may find traditional footwear fastening mechanisms cumbersome or unusable. Further, such individuals may not have the flexibility or coordination to effectively put on (don) and take off conventional fastened footwear. Some traditional footwear, such as loafers, slippers, and other slip-on shoes, may lack fasteners and thus may be easier to don. However, these types of footwear provide limited support and stability to the user's foot. For example, slippers and mule-style shoes traditionally have an upper that lacks any sort of heel counter or other heel support. Limited-ability individuals may desire the sturdy support of fastened footwear with an enclosed heel and hence need an easy-access solution. More able individuals simply may prefer the convenience of sturdy, easy-access footwear.

SUMMARY

Footwear with magnetic closures are disclosed. Footwear include a shell with a heel section and a front section defining a lateral slit and a medial slit between the heel section and the front section. Footwear have a lateral magnetic closure associated with the lateral slit and a medial magnetic closure associated with the medial slit. The heel section is configured to support a user's heel when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are closed. Further, the heel section is configured to flex rearward to expose a rear foot passage when the lateral magnetic closure and medial magnetic closure are open.

Footwear may include a closed configuration in which the heel section is upright, the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and the medial magnetic closure is closed. Footwear may include an open configuration in which the heel section is flexed rearward, the lateral magnetic closure is open, and the medial magnetic closure is open.

The magnetic closures each may include at least two magnetic assemblies with one of the magnetic assemblies of each of the magnetic closures on and/or enclosed by the heel section and another of the magnetic assemblies of each of the magnetic closures on and/or enclosed by the front section. Each of the magnetic assemblies may independently include at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic component, provided that at least one of the magnetic assemblies of each magnetic closure includes a magnet. The magnets may be correlated magnets.

Footwear may be biased into the closed configuration and/or the open configuration by a biasing mechanism, such as a bistable element, a tether, and/or an elastic element, generally disposed in and/or near the heel section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of examples of footwear of the present disclosure in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 1 in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of an example of footwear of the present disclosure in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a rear, perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 3 in an open configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an example of footwear of the present disclosure in a closed configuration, as a user is inserting a foot.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 5 in an open configuration, as a user is inserting a foot.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an example of a magnetic assembly of the present disclosure including a biasing element.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an example of footwear of the present disclosure in a closed configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the footwear of FIG. 8 in an open configuration.

FIG. 10 is a rear, perspective view of an example of footwear of the present disclosure, highlighting an example of a bistable element.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an example of footwear of the present disclosure including a bistable element, in a closed configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 11 in an open configuration.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an example of footwear of the present disclosure including a tether-type biasing mechanism, in a closed configuration.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 13 in an open configuration.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-14 illustrate footwear 10 with magnetic closures 60, and elements thereof, according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with numbers consistent among the figures. Like numbers in each of the figures, and the corresponding elements, may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of the figures. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of the figures, but reference numerals associated therewith may be used for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed with reference to one of the figures may be included in and/or used with any of the elements, components, and/or features of another figure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In general, elements that are likely to be included are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that may be optional or alternatives are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines are not necessarily essential, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, some elements that are internal structures or that may be otherwise hidden within the footwear 10 may be illustrated in solid lines and/or shaded for clarity.

Unless otherwise noted, directions, such as front, rear, top, bottom, up, down, lateral, and medial, are relative to the body of the user while wearing the footwear and standing upright. As used herein, footwear may refer to a single article of footwear or plural articles of footwear.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, footwear 10 with magnetic closures 60 are configured for easy entry of the user's foot into the footwear. Easy entry is characterized by generally requiring no hands to don the footwear. Instead, a user may don easy-entry footwear 10 without requiring use of the user's hands, such as to loosen and/or tighten fastening mechanisms, stretch the rear of the heel to enlarge or reshape the foot opening, etc. Thus, the user may don and/or remove footwear 10 according to the present disclosure by motion of the user's feet, and the user may achieve sturdy support of the user's feet when the footwear 10 is worn. The simplified foot entry motion allows users with limited abilities to wear the footwear 10 without requiring assistance from others to don and secure the footwear. Even though the footwear 10 may be donned in a simplified manner, the footwear 10 are configured to securely and supportively hold the user's feet, at least cupping the rear of the user's heels and providing heel support. The footwear 10 also may be configured to be removed without the need for hand manipulation, i.e., removed in a hands-free manner.

Footwear 10 may be generally any type of footwear, such as shoes, boots, sandals, and the like. Articles of footwear 10 have a shell 12, or upper 12, which is the section of the footwear above the footwear's sole that generally extends around the sides and top of the user's foot. The shell 12 is configured to cover generally the user's heel, and/or ankle, and may include one or more openings, vents, etc. (e.g., sandal style). The top of the shell 12, where a user's ankle and/or lower leg extend from the footwear 10 while the footwear is worn, may be referred to as the collar 24. The collar 24 generally encircles an upper opening 40 that accommodates the user's ankle and/or lower leg when the footwear 10 is worn. As shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1, the shell 12 may define a shaft 22 that extends from around the user's ankle (when worn) to the user's lower leg, e.g., to the Achilles region, the calf region, or higher.

Footwear 10 include a sole 26 with an insole 28, which is in the interior of the footwear, configured to face and/or contact the bottom of the user's foot, and an outsole 30, which is configured to contact the ground and generally underlies and supports the insole 28. The insole 28 also may be called the foot bed 28.

The shell 12 includes a heel section 14 and a front section 16. The heel section 14 is configured to cover and/or protect the user's heel, and generally wraps around the back of the user's heel. The front section 16 is configured to cover at least some portion of the user's forefoot, includes the vamp of the footwear, and may define the toe box. The volume where the user's foot fits, at least partially enclosed by the front section 16 and/or the heel section 14, is referred to as the interior volume 38 of the footwear and/or as the foot compartment 38 of the footwear.

The heel section 14 and the front section 16 are at least partially separated by a slit 50 on each side of the footwear 10, i.e., the front section 16 and the heel section 14 define a slit 50 between them on each of the lateral side (18) and medial side (20) of the footwear. Each slit 50 (i.e., the lateral slit and the medial slit) extends from the collar 24 generally downward along the shell 12 towards the sole 26 of the footwear. The slits 50 are configured to allow the heel section 14 to move rearward and/or downward with respect to the front section 16, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In slightly different terms, the shell 12 is constructed such that the heel section 14, via the pair of slits 50, may pivot and/or otherwise be moved rearward, downward, and/or otherwise away from the front section 16 without requiring corresponding movement of the front section 16. For example, when a user is wearing the footwear 10, the user may move the user's foot rearward, such as with a force sufficient to pivot the heel section 14 away from the front section 16, thereby intentionally opening the slits 50 (i.e., separating the abutting and/or overlapping surfaces of the heel section 14 and the front section 16 that define the edges (forward edges 52 and rearward edges 54) of the slits 50). As discussed in more detail herein, when the heel section 14 is returned to, or even proximate, the front section 16, these edges (52, 54) of the slit 50 are drawn together to recouple the heel section 14 to the front section 16, thereby resealing, or reclosing, the slits 50.

Slits 50 extend from the collar 24 generally towards the sole 26. However, slits 50 may take any suitable shape and direction. Slits 50 may be straight, arcuate, or have straight and/or arcuate sections. For example, an arcuate slit 50 may arc forward from the collar 24 and then rearward toward the sole 26. Slits 50 may traverse the shell 12 along a lateral or medial side of the shell, partially or completely splitting the shell 12, i.e., a slit 50 does not necessarily extend to the sole 26 as illustrated. Slits 50 on opposite sides of the footwear 10 are generally symmetric (e.g., potentially mirror images) to each other. However, a slit 50 on one side of the footwear 10 may have a different shape, direction, and/or length than a slit 50 on another side of the footwear 10.

FIG. 1 illustrates a closed configuration 32 of the footwear 10. As used herein, “closed configuration” refers to when the slits 50 of the footwear are closed, i.e., when the front edge 52 of the heel section contacts the rear edge 54 of the front section on both the lateral side and the medial side of the footwear's shell, and the footwear is thus configured to be worn by a user. The closed configuration 32 also may be referred to as a use configuration, a foot-enclosing configuration, and/or a supportive configuration. In the closed configuration 32, the heel section 14 is generally upright and configured to support the user's heel. Also, the slits 50 between the heel section 14 and the front section 16 are closed. In the closed configuration 32, the top of the collar 24 defines an upper opening 40, which is configured to encircle the user's ankle or a portion of the user's leg while the footwear is worn.

FIG. 2 illustrates an open configuration 34 of the footwear 10. As used herein, “open configuration” refers to when the heel section 14 has been pivoted or otherwise moved away from the front section 16 such that the edges of the heel section and the front section on each of the lateral side and the medial side of the shell 12 are not in direct contact and instead are spaced apart from each other. The open configuration 34 also may be referred to as a donning configuration, a ready-to-don configuration, a ready-to-wear configuration, and a non-supportive configuration. In the open configuration 34, the footwear 10 is positioned for easy, optionally hands-free, entry of a user's foot. In the open configuration 34, the heel section 14 is flexed rearward and downward relative to the position of the heel section 14 in the closed configuration 32. Also, the slits 50 between the heel section 14 and the front section 16 are open. In the open configuration 34, the open heel section 14 and the front section 16 define a rear foot passage 42 configured to allow the user's foot to enter and/or exit the footwear 10 from the rear of the footwear.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the open configuration, the collar no longer defines the essentially continuous, or closed, perimeter of FIG. 1. Instead, it is divided into spaced apart heel and toe collar sections. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the rear foot passage 42 generally separates the heel and toe collar sections, with the rear foot passage and the collar sections collectively defining a longer opening than the foot opening defined by the collar when the footwear is in the closed configuration.

As perhaps best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each slit 50 includes a magnetic closure 60 to secure the slit 50 in a closed position. When a slit 50 is closed, the corresponding magnetic closure 60 spans the slit and retains the slit 50 in the closed position. When the magnetic closure 60 is open (not connected), the corresponding slit 50 is free to open and expand. Typically, nothing except for the magnetic closures 60 spans the slits 50 (although as discussed further herein, certain elements may span a slit in certain configurations or embodiments).

FIGS. 1-4 schematically illustrate magnetic closures 60, and the components thereof. Each magnetic closure 60 includes at least two mating magnetic assemblies 62, with one magnetic assembly on, in, and/or coupled to one side of the slit 50 (e.g., the heel section 14) and another magnetic assembly on, in, and/or coupled to the other side of the slit (e.g., the front section 16). Magnetic assemblies 62 generally are located at the edges of the slit 50, i.e., a forward edge 52 of the slit (the rearward edge of the front section 16) and a rearward edge 54 of the slit (the forward edge of the heel section 14). Magnetic assemblies 62 may be enclosed in the corresponding heel section 14 or front section 16. Footwear 10 may be configured to hide, encapsulate, or otherwise enclose the magnetic assemblies 62 at least when the footwear 10 is in the closed configuration 32 (with the magnetic closures 60 closed).

The magnetic closures 60 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or position along the slits 50 to selectively seal/close the slits. Thus, a magnetic closure 60 may include a single pair of magnetic assemblies 62 (one at each side of the corresponding slit 50), or more than two magnetic assemblies 62, optionally arranged in pairs along the slit 50 (as shown in the example of FIGS. 5 and 6). Similarly, an article of footwear 10 may include a single magnetic closure 60 associated with each slit 50, or more than one magnetic closure 60 associated with each slit 50. As examples, a magnetic closure 60 may include one pair of mating magnetic assemblies 62 or may include two magnetic assemblies 62 on one edge of the slit 50 that mate with a single magnetic assembly 62 on the other edge of the slit 50. Magnetic closures 60 and/or magnetic assemblies 62 may be spaced apart along the corresponding slit 50 and/or may be contiguous along the slit 50 (or at least a portion of the length of the slit).

Mating magnetic assemblies 62 are configured to reversibly bind to each other with magnetic force. Hence, when the slit 50 is closed, the magnetic assemblies 62 mate and secure the magnetic closure 60 closed. When the slit 50 is open, the magnetic assemblies 62 are separated and allow the heel section 14 to move relative to the front section 16. The magnetic assemblies 62 may mate by abutting along the edges of the slit 50 and/or by overlapping along the edges of the slit 50. Magnetic closures 60 may be arranged such that the mating magnetic assemblies 62 may be coupled and decoupled by forces in the fore-aft direction and/or forces in the medial-lateral direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, footwear 10 may include one or more optional side retainer assemblies 100 configured to selectively secure one or more slits 50 when the associated magnetic closures 60 and the slit(s) 50 are closed. Each slit 50 independently may be associated with one or more side retainer assemblies 100, or no side retainer assembly 100. For example, each slit 50 may be associated with an independent side retainer assembly 100 configured to selectively secure that slit 50 closed. As another example, one side retainer assembly may be configured to selectively secure all of the slits 50 of footwear 10 closed. When a slit 50 and its associated magnetic closure(s) 60 are closed, the associated side retainer assembly 100 may be extended across the slit 50 and magnetic closure(s) 60 to further enhance the attachment between the heel section 14 and the front section 16, and/or to resist the release (uncoupling) of the magnetic closure(s) 60. Side retainer assemblies 100 may be configured to resist fore-aft motion and/or medial-lateral motion of the coupled heel section 14 and front section 16.

Side retainer assemblies 100, when present, may include a side retainer strap 102 configured to span the associated slit 50 and/or one or more side retainer receivers 104 configured to receive and couple the side retainer strap 102 and/or another side retainer receiver 104. At least one side of the slit 50 (the heel section 14 or the front section 16) includes a side retainer receiver 104, when present. The other side may include the side retainer strap 102 and/or another side retainer receiver 102 (or side retainer receivers 102). Side retainer straps 102, when present, are configured to couple to a side retainer receiver 104 on the opposite side of the associated slit 50 (to selectively secure the slit). Side retainer assemblies 100 may be configured to store optional side retainer straps 102 when not in use to secure the associated slit(s) 50. For example, side retainer assemblies 100 may include side retainer receivers 104 on both sides of a slit 50, and the side retainer strap 102 may be configured to connect to the side retainer receiver 104 across the slit 50 (to secure the slit 50 closed) and to connect to the side retainer receiver 104 on the same side of the slit 50 (to store, or hold, the side retainer strap 102 away from the slit 50). Side retainer straps 102 and side retainer receivers 104 may include coupling mechanisms such as hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro-brand fasteners), snaps, hooks, and the like. In an embodiment where the side retainer strap 102 is configured to selectively secure the slit 50 and to be selectively stored away from the slit 50, the side retainer strap 102 may include hook-and-loop fasteners on each side of the side retainer strap 102, and the corresponding side retainer receivers 104 may include the mating hook-and-loop fasteners.

Footwear 10 and/or magnetic closures 60 optionally may include a covering portion 72, such as a gasket, a seal, and/or a flap, that covers, hides, protects, and/or isolates the user's foot and/or the slit 50 from view and/or exterior elements (wind, water, dust, mud, etc.). For example, the magnetic closure 60 may include gaskets to form an insulating seal when the magnetic assemblies 62 mate and the footwear thus is in the closed configuration. As another example, the heel section 14 and/or the front section 16 may include a flap configured to cover the closed slit 50 and/or the associated magnetic closure(s) 60. The covering portion 72 may be a component of the side retainer assembly 100, e.g., may be a side retainer strap 102.

As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, footwear 10 according to the present disclosure may include an optional front fastening mechanism 94. Front fastening mechanisms 94, when present, are configured to secure the footwear 10 around the user's foot and may be adjusted to adjust the size of the foot compartment of the footwear and thus alter the fit of the footwear. For example, the front fastening mechanism 94 may reduce, or enlarge, the size of the upper opening 40, the interior volume 38, the inner perimeter of the collar 24, and/or the inner perimeter of the front section 16. When present, the front fastening mechanism 94 is configured to retain the same fit after the footwear 10 transitions from a closed configuration 32 to an open configuration 34 and back to the closed configuration 32. For example, the front fastening mechanism 94 remains fastened and does not need to be refastened after the footwear 10 transitions from the open configuration 34 to the closed configuration 32. Further, the footwear 10 may be configured to allow the user to insert a foot without fastening or unfastening the front fastening mechanism 94. Additionally or alternatively, front fastening mechanisms 94 may be aesthetic, mimicking the look of a traditional footwear form. Front fastening mechanisms 94 may include lacing, an eyelet, a hook, a loop, a tongue, a strap, a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., a Velcro-brand fastener), a buckle, a snap, and/or a zipper.

Footwear 10 optionally may be configured to enlarge the rear foot passage 42 as the heel section 14 is displaced rearward and/or downward, and/or as the magnetic closures 60 are opened. For example, the forward edges 52 of the slits 50 (the rearward edges of the front section 16) may be biased or otherwise configured to displace outward as the heel section 14 is moved away from the front section 16 and/or after the magnetic closures 60 are released. As an example, and as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the footwear may include lateral biasing mechanisms 96 in the front section 16 and/or at the forward edges 52 of the slits (e.g., one at each of the forward edges 52). Thus, when the magnetic closures 60 are opening and the heel section 14 moves away from the front section 16, the lateral biasing mechanism 96 may urge the rear regions of the front section 16 apart from each other, thereby providing a larger opening into which a user's foot may be received. When the heel section 14 is returned proximate the front section 16, the lateral biasing mechanisms 96 cease to provide this lateral biasing force (or at least the force is diminished), and/or the magnetic attraction of the magnetic closures 60 may be sufficient to overcome the lateral biasing forces and urge the edges of the front section 16 and heel section 14 into alignment as the footwear 10 is returned to a closed configuration 32.

Footwear 10 may be constructed generally with materials suitable for conventional footwear and in the manner of conventional footwear. For example, the shell 12 may be impermeable, permeable, breathable, insulating, and/or flexible. As another example, the sole 26 may include a resilient outsole 30, which may include one or more of a heel, optionally a projecting heel, a wedge, a tread, and the like. The insole 28 may include padding, lining, support, a heel cup, a foot stabilizer, and the like.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a method for donning the footwear 10. In some embodiments, the user may don the footwear 10 by inserting a portion of a foot 36 into the upper opening 40 of the footwear while in the closed configuration 32 (FIG. 5). Then, with a generally downward and/or rearward force, the user may press on the heel section 14 (e.g., the top and/or collar region of the heel section) to open the magnetic closures 60 and to allow the heel section 14 to flex downward and/or rearward to expose the rear foot passage 42. In some embodiments, the rear foot passage 42 may be exposed by manually separating the magnetic closures 60 (and/or opening the side retainer assemblies 100) before contact with the user's foot 36. Once the footwear 10 is in the open configuration 34 (FIG. 6), with the heel section 14 flexed downward and/or rearward, the user may insert a foot 36 through the rear foot passage 42. The motion of inserting the user's foot 36 is a generally horizontal motion with the user's toes moving from the back of the footwear 10 to the front until the foot 36 is aligned with, and may rest upon, the sole 26. After inserting the user's foot 36, and/or by inserting the foot, the user may move the heel section 14 from the open configuration 34 (FIG. 6) to the closed configuration 32 (FIG. 5). For example, once the user's foot 36 is in the footwear 10, the user may push the footwear 10 (e.g., the rear of the outsole 30) against a post, wall, floor, portion of the user's body, or other hard and/or sturdy surface to urge the heel section back toward the front section to reconfigure the footwear to the closed configuration. As another example, the user may opt to move the heel section 14 with the user's hand or other foot.

In the closed configuration 32 (such as shown in FIG. 5), the heel section 14 is stably retained in a generally upright position by the magnetic closures 60. The heel section 14 generally will move, and the magnetic closures 60 will open, if a force above a specific threshold is applied. Once the magnetic closures 60 are opened, the heel section 14 may move by pivoting about an attachment portion 82 of the heel section 14. The pivoting portion of the heel section 14 is and/or includes an upper portion 80. The attachment portion 82 of the heel section 14 is at the base of the heel section, generally laterally centered, and connects the heel section 14 to the sole 26 and/or the front section 16. The attachment portion 82 may include a flexible mechanism to couple the upper portion 80 to the sole 26 and/or front section 16, such as a flexure, a hinge, a pivot, and/or a joint.

The heel section 14 may be biased, independent of the magnetic closures 60, towards one or more positions and may experience different bias when in different positions or when the footwear is in different configurations. As examples, the heel section 14 may be biased towards the open configuration 34 (FIG. 6) and/or the closed configuration 32 (FIG. 5). As another example, the heel section 14 may be biased towards a position when near that position (i.e., may experience a retaining force). In such case, the heel section 14 would move from the position only after the user applies a force sufficient to overcome the retaining force. Alternatively, the footwear 10 may be configured to apply no significant bias to the heel section 14, other than with the magnetic closures 60 when the heel section 14 is at and/or near the closed position of the closed configuration 32.

As an example of a biased arrangement, the attachment portion 82 may be configured to urge the heel section 14 towards the closed configuration 32. In which case, to achieve the open configuration 34, the user would need to supply a force to overcome the biasing force on the heel section 14. To don footwear 10 that has a bias towards the closed configuration 32, the user may use the heel of a foot 36 to apply force sufficient to hold the heel section 14 open while the foot 36 is inserted into the footwear 10 through the rear foot passage 42. Once the foot 36 has been fully inserted, if the heel section 14 remains biased towards the closed configuration 32, the heel section will move towards the closed configuration and the magnetic closures 60 will engage and secure the footwear 10 in the closed configuration 32.

Once the user's foot is secured in the footwear 10 in the closed configuration 32, the footwear may be removed by opening the heel section 14 and removing the foot. The footwear 10 may be configured to open the heel section 14 without hands, e.g., by appropriate application of force by the user's foot or feet. For example, the user may brace the shoe against the floor, a wall, or other rigid surface, and then pull the foot rearward and/or upward against the force of the magnetic closures 60 (and any biasing force). Additionally or alternatively, the footwear may be configured to open the heel section 14 with hand assistance. For example, the heel section 14 may include a tab, fingerhold, or similar mechanism, to allow the user to easily pull the heel section 14 from the front section 16 (e.g., pull back the entire heel section 14 or pull apart a magnetic closure 60 laterally). As another example, when the footwear 10 includes a plurality of magnetic closures 60 and/or magnetic assemblies 62 along each slit 50, at least one, if not several, of the magnetic closures 60 and/or magnetic assemblies 62 may be configured to peel (sequentially) from the top down, optionally with less force than the force needed to separate the plurality of magnetic closures 60 and/or magnetic assemblies 62 with a rearward force. Once the heel section 14 is open (and the footwear 10 is in the open configuration 34), the user may remove the foot through the rear foot passage 42. After the foot is removed, the footwear 10 may remain in the open configuration 34 (ready for future foot insertions) or may automatically (by biasing), or manually, be placed back into the closed configuration 32.

FIG. 7 schematically represents examples of magnetic assemblies 62. Magnetic assemblies 62 may include at least one magnet 64 (e.g., a permanent magnet), and optionally may include a plurality of magnets 64, and may include other ferromagnetic components 66 (e.g., magnetic materials that are not permanently magnetized). Magnetic assemblies 62 include a coupling region 74 configured to couple to a mating magnetic assembly 62 by magnetic force. At least one of the magnetic assemblies 62 of a mating pair (e.g., of a magnetic closure 60) must include a magnet 64. For example, both magnetic assemblies 62 of a mating pair may include a magnet 64 disposed to attract the magnet of the opposite (mating) magnetic assembly. As another example, one magnetic assembly 62 may include a magnet 64 and the other (mating) magnetic assembly may include a ferromagnetic component 66 (e.g., an iron-containing material). Magnets 64 may be discrete magnets, bar magnets, sheet magnets, correlated magnets (an ordered group of magnetic dipoles), or any suitable magnet configuration or assembly.

Though the example of FIG. 7 illustrates five magnets 64 and one optional ferromagnetic component 66, a magnetic assembly 62 may have any suitable number (including none) and arrangement of magnets 64 and/or ferromagnetic components 66. For example, magnetic assembly 62 may include one magnet, more than one magnet, two magnets, more than two magnets, one ferromagnetic component, more than one ferromagnetic component, two ferromagnetic components, more than two ferromagnetic components, etc.

Mating magnetic assemblies 62 may be configured to guide and/or to align the magnetic assemblies 62 to a predefined, or desired, orientation and/or position when the magnetic assemblies 62 are mated by arranging the magnet(s) 64 and/or ferromagnetic component(s) 66. The arrangement of the magnet(s) 64 and/or ferromagnetic component(s) 66 may be configured to secure the mated magnetic assemblies 62 in one or more defined orientations and/or positions. In such configurations, the magnetic assemblies 62 may be referred to as self-aligning and/or magnetically biased to the predefined orientation(s) and/or position(s). The size, type, number, and orientation of the magnets 64 in a magnetic assembly 62 may affect the magnetic field of the magnetic assembly. Thus, the magnets 64 may be selected and/or arranged to concentrate the magnetic field at or proximate the coupling region 74 and/or to reduce or limit the magnetic field in one or more other regions of the magnetic assembly 62 (with or without the assistance of covering materials 68, other ferromagnetic materials 66, and/or the magnetic assembly body 63, as discussed further herein).

Magnets 64 may be oriented with their magnetic poles in any direction relative to the slits 50, the magnetic assembly body 63, and/or the coupling region 74, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, it may be useful to orient the poles perpendicular to the length of the slit 50 (when in the closed configuration 32) and/or the coupling region 74. In other embodiments, it may be useful to orient the poles parallel to the length of the slit 50 (when in the closed configuration 32) and/or the coupling region 74. Near the magnetic poles and in the direction of the magnetic axis (the direction between the north and south poles), magnets 64 generally have the highest field strength. By orienting the poles, the magnetic assemblies 62 may be configured to utilize the magnetic fields to increase the attractive force that retains the mating magnetic assemblies 62 together in a magnetic closure 60. Thus, the footwear 10 and/or the magnetic closures 60 may be configured to securely resist unintentional release of the coupled magnetic assemblies 62 of the magnetic closures 60.

As an example of an arrangement of magnets 64 within a magnetic assembly 62, a magnetic assembly may include a plurality of bar (or similar) magnets 64 with generally parallel magnetic axes in which adjacent magnets have oppositely aligned magnetic poles. This alternating pole arrangement may concentrate the magnetic field near a series of regions near the magnetic poles. The concentrated field regions may be configured to be near the coupling region 74 and configured to attract the mating magnetic assembly 62 and/or the coupling region 74 of the mating magnetic assembly 62. The concentrated field regions may be configured to attract the coupling region 74 of the mating magnetic assembly 62 more strongly than the interspersed regions of less concentrated magnetic fields. The group of magnets 64 in an alternating pole arrangement may be referred to as a correlated magnet (though other forms of correlated magnets may be formed). Magnets 64 in an alternating pole arrangement may have their axes aligned collinearly (a box car arrangement, as schematically represented in FIG. 7) or all in the same plane (e.g., a correlated sheet magnet).

Mating magnetic assemblies 62 including magnets 64 in the alternating pole arrangement may resist forces that may separate the magnetic assemblies 62, i.e., may provide increased resistance to forces in a particular direction, relative to the resistance in the absence of the alternating pole arrangement. For example, the mating magnetic assemblies 62 may provide resistance to shear forces, which are perpendicular to the orientation of the magnetic axes of the magnets 64 and/or to the orientation of the slit 50. This arrangement may reduce the likelihood of the mating magnetic assemblies 62 sliding apart from each other (such as responsive to external forces that might cause the mating magnetic assemblies 62 to separate other than when the user is intending to uncouple the mating magnetic assemblies) and/or may increase the need to pivot, rotate, or otherwise “peel” the mating magnetic assemblies 62 apart when it is desired to uncouple the mating magnetic assemblies.

The coupling region 74 includes one or more mating features 70. One or more of the mating features 70 are configured to contact complementary mating features 70 of the mating magnetic assembly 62 (or mating magnetic assemblies 62). Mating features 70 may be configured to guide and/or align the magnetic assemblies 62 to a particular orientation and/or position when the magnetic assemblies 62 are mated (and/or the magnetic closure 60 is closed). Mating features 70, additionally or alternatively, may be configured to facilitate alignment and retention of the mated magnetic assemblies 62. Mating features 70 may be, and/or may include portions that are, flat, substantially planar, smooth, dished, protuberant, concave, and/or convex. Additionally, coupling regions 74 may include one or more types of mating features 70, such as a combination of flat portions, concave portions, and convex portions.

Mating features 70 of mating magnetic assemblies 62 may be arranged to contact other mating features 70 along at least a portion of the length of the corresponding slit 50. The mating features 70 may be configured to align the magnetic force between the mated magnetic assemblies 62 in the slit opening direction (generally fore-aft) and/or generally perpendicular to the slit opening direction (e.g., in the medial-lateral direction). In one example configuration, the mating features 70 may be substantially planar, with one facing generally forward and one facing generally aftward, and configured to contact in a plane generally perpendicular to the slit opening direction. In this configuration, the direction of the magnetic force between the mated magnetic assemblies 62 is generally fore-aft. In another example configuration, the mating features 70 may be substantially planar, with one facing generally medially and one facing generally laterally, and configured to contact in a plane generally parallel to the slit opening direction. In this configuration, the direction of the magnetic force between the mated magnetic assemblies 62 is generally medial-lateral. Where the mating magnetic assemblies 62 overlap along the slit 50 (e.g., one magnetic assembly is along the inside of the forward edge 52 and the mating magnetic assembly is along the outside of the rearward edge 54), at least one of the mating magnetic assemblies 62 may be hidden, as viewed from the outside of the footwear 10, by the forward edge 52, the rearward edge 54, the optional covering portion 72, and/or the other mating magnetic assembly (or assemblies).

Mating features 70, additionally or alternatively, may be configured to interlock and/or to resist forces that may separate the magnetic assemblies 62, i.e., to provide increased resistance to forces in a particular direction, relative to the resistance in the absence of the mating feature(s) 70. For example, mating features 70 may provide resistance to shear forces, which are perpendicular to the orientation of the magnetic axes of the magnets 64 and/or to the orientation of the slit 50. This arrangement may reduce the likelihood of the mating magnetic assemblies 62 sliding apart from each other (such as responsive to external forces that might cause the mating magnetic assemblies 62 to separate other than when the user is intending to uncouple the mating magnetic assemblies) and/or may increase the need to pivot, rotate, or otherwise “peel” the mating magnetic assemblies 62 apart when it is desired to uncouple the mating magnetic assemblies. Examples of configurations for magnetic assemblies 62 with interlocking mating features 70 include the stud and cavity of a magnetic snap, one or more ridges, grooves, slots, tabs, flanges, studs, projections, protrusions, recesses, cavities, sockets, receptacles, and/or holes configured to mate with corresponding structures on mating magnetic assemblies 62.

Magnetic assemblies 62 include a body 63, as indicated in FIG. 7. The magnetic assembly body 63 defines the outer surface of the magnetic assembly 62 and may include a housing that at least partially encapsulates the magnet(s) 64 and/or the other ferromagnetic component(s) 66. The magnetic assembly body 63 defines the coupling region 74 and one or more mating features 70 within the coupling region 74.

The magnetic assembly body 63 may be configured, for example, to protect the magnet(s) 64 and/or the ferromagnetic component(s) 66 of the magnetic assembly 62 from the environment, to reduce wear of the magnet(s) 64 and/or ferromagnetic components 66, and/or to shield and/or to redirect the magnetic field of the magnet(s) 64. Some, a majority, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even all of the surfaces of the magnets 64 and/or ferromagnetic components 66 of a magnetic assembly 62 may be enclosed within the magnetic assembly body 63 and/or otherwise physically shielded from the environment external the magnetic assembly 62. Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic assembly body 63 may at least partially shield the external environment from magnetic fields of magnet(s) 64 of the magnetic assembly 62, except for magnetic fields associated with the coupling region 74. In the coupling region 74, the magnetic field may be enhanced, concentrated, and/or attenuated to achieve sufficient coupling between mating magnetic assemblies 62. Bodies 63 may include, and/or may be, environmental-resistant and/or mechanically robust components such as coatings, coverings, fabric, polymeric materials, plastic, epoxy, rubber, and the like. Bodies may include, and/or may be, magnetic shielding components such as high magnetic permeability materials, ferromagnetic materials, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the heel section 14 and/or the front section 16 may include magnetic shielding components to shield, at least partially, the environment external to the footwear 10 from magnetic fields of the magnet(s) 64 of the magnetic assemblies 62. Reducing the magnetic field strength outside of portions of the magnetic assemblies 62 other than the coupling region 74, and/or outside of the footwear 10, may reduce the attraction of other magnetic materials (e.g., environmental debris) to the magnetic assemblies 62.

The magnetic fields of the magnetic assemblies 62 in the coupling regions 74 may be configured to allow the magnetic assemblies 62 to decouple at a specified force and/or to remain decoupled at a specified distance. Such configuration may be useful, for example, to account for variations in magnets 64 as manufactured, to control the coupling strength of a magnetic closure 60 (e.g., high strength for athletics, lower strength for younger children), and/or to allow the magnetic closure 60 to remain open after the slit 50 is opened beyond a certain distance (e.g., to allow the open configuration 34 to remain open, absent other biasing or user forces).

Magnetic assembly bodies 63 optionally may include one or more covering components 68, such as a coating, covering, plating, etc., that cover at least a portion of the coupling region 74. Covering components 68 may be configured to protect from the environment, and/or to reduce wear of, the magnet(s) 64 and/or the ferromagnetic component(s) 66 near coupling region 74. Suitable covering components 68 may include, and/or may be, coatings, fabric, polymeric materials, plastic, epoxy, rubber, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, covering components 68 may be configured to enhance, concentrate, and/or attenuate the magnetic field from the magnet(s) 64 of the magnetic assembly 62 to achieve suitable coupling between mating magnetic assemblies 62. Suitable covering components 68 may include, and/or may be, high magnetic permeability materials and ferromagnetic materials.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, footwear 10 may include a biasing mechanism 84 to bias the heel section 14 towards a particular position. Biasing mechanisms 84 are illustrated in solid lines and shaded to highlight the mechanisms. However, and as discussed further herein, the biasing mechanisms 84 may be internal to the heel section 14, the upper portion 80 of the heel section, the attachment portion 82 of the heel section, the sole 26 (not indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9), and/or the insole 28. Generally, biasing mechanisms 84 are coupled between the heel section 14 and the remainder of the footwear (e.g., the sole 26 and/or the front section 16). For example, biasing mechanisms 84 may extend generally from the sole 26 to the heel section 14, along the edges of one or more slits 50 (as schematically illustrated in FIG. 9 with dotted lines), and/or may span one or more slits 50.

As an example of a biasing mechanism 84, the heel section 14 may be “naturally,” or inherently, biased towards a particular position by the nature and shape of the heel section 14 (and thus the heel section may be its own biasing mechanism 84). The heel section 14 may include, and may be, a material that, when elastically deformed from its original shape, will seek to return to the original shape. As other examples of biasing mechanisms 84, the footwear 10 may include an elastic element 86 (e.g., a spring), a bistable element 88, and/or a tether 90 that changes shape and/or position between the closed configuration 32 and the open configuration 34. The footwear 10 may be configured such that the act of donning the footwear will actuate the biasing mechanism 84. For example, pushing the heel section 14 downward or rearward from the closed configuration 32 may cause bias back towards the closed configuration. Further, the act of resting the foot 36 on the sole 26 may actuate, or enhance, tension and/or compression in the biasing mechanism 84 sufficient to move the heel section 14 from the open configuration 34 towards the closed configuration 32.

An example of one type of a suitable biasing mechanism 84 is a bistable element 88. Bistable elements are stable in at least two configurations and may be transitioned between configurations by application of a suitable force. Typically, the transition from one configuration to another is rapid and/or snap-like. The reverse transition may require more force. In one stable configuration, the bistable element 88 is generally straight and rigid at least in one direction. In the other stable configuration, the bistable element 88 bends and lacks rigidity across the bend (generally biased towards a bent or spiral shape). In the ‘straight’ configuration, the bistable element 88 generally is stable until a sufficient force is applied (at which point the bistable element typically transitions to the ‘bent’ configuration rapidly, i.e., with significant bias towards the bent configuration). In the bent configuration, the bistable element 88 generally requires more significant force and/or manipulation to transition to the straight configuration. A bistable element 88 may include one or more flexible bands, sheets, panels, etc. that may be composed of a resilient deformable material, such as metal and/or plastic. Bistable elements 88 may be referred to as bistable bands and tape springs. Other examples of suitable bistable elements 88 include a toggle, a ratchet, a dished disk (a snap disk), and a bistable spring (e.g., a flat spring with at least two stable configurations).

A bistable element 88 may be arranged along the heel section 14 of the footwear 10. The bistable element 88 extends behind the user's heel along at least a portion of the heel section 14. Also, the bistable element 88 extends toward the sole 26 and may be anchored in the sole (e.g., beneath the heel section 14 away from the heel of the user, as illustrated in FIG. 10, and/or under the insole 28 and above the outsole 30 under the heel of the user, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12). In the closed configuration 32, the bistable element 88 may be configured to conform to the user's heel and/or to cup the user's heel (i.e., extending around a portion of the back of the user's heel laterally and/or medially). The bistable element 88 may be substantially (and/or completely) enclosed in the heel section 14. Additionally or alternatively, the bistable element 88 may include exposed portions (optionally an entirely exposed external portion) at the exterior of the footwear 10 and/or at the interior of the footwear 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, near and/or at the position where the bistable element 88 crosses the attachment portion 82 of the heel section 14, the bistable element 88 may have a neck 110, also called a narrowed section. The neck may be configured to guide the flexure of the heel section 14 about the neck 110, e.g., by stiffening and/or weakening the bistable element 88 near the neck 110 relative to a bistable element 88 without a neck 110. The bistable element 88 may include a base portion 112 and an upper portion 114. When present, the neck 110 is between the base portion 112 and the upper portion 114.

The base portion 112 may be extended, embedded, and/or anchored within the heel of the sole 26, generally beneath the heel section 14. The upper portion 114 may be configured to conform to the user's heel and/or to cup the user's heel, when the footwear is in the closed configuration 32. The upper portion 114 may be configured to extend and/or flex rearward and downward (relative to its position in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 10) as the heel section 14 is flexed rearward and downward in the open configuration 34 (not shown in FIG. 10). Additionally or alternatively, the neck 110 may be configured to flex between the closed configuration 32 and the open configuration 34 such that the upper portion 114 (and the associated portion of the heel section 14) may transition between a generally upright position (in the closed configuration 32) and a rearward and/or generally horizontal position (in the open configuration 34).

The bistable element 88 may define an optional aperture 116. The aperture 116 may be configured to weaken the neck 110 (e.g., add flexibility between the base portion 112 and the upper portion 114) and may be configured to secure the bistable element 88 to and/or within the heel section 14. For example, bistable element 88 may be sewn into the heel section 14 via the aperture 116 and/or may be secured within the heel section by a fastener that extends through the aperture 116 to secure together adjacent portions of the heel section on opposed sides of the aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the heel section may be fastened together (e.g., bonded, adhered, fused, sewn) via the aperture 116. Though the aperture 116 is illustrated as an arcuate opening, the aperture 116 may be of any suitable shape.

The bistable element 88 and/or the footwear 10 are configured to avoid interference with the padding and/or support provided by other elements of the footwear. For example, the bistable element 88 may be placed substantially within the heel section 14 and/or not under the user's heel (as shown in FIG. 10). As another example, the sole 26 may include a recess under the insole 28 to accommodate the size of the bistable element 88 so that the user cannot feel the bistable element 88 under the heel (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). Additionally or alternatively, a bistable element may be located at the edges of one or more slits 50.

Bistable elements 88 may be configured such that the two stable configurations correspond generally to the closed configuration 32 and the open configuration 34 of the footwear 10. Bistable elements 88 may be configured to be in the straight configuration when the footwear 10 is closed (in the closed configuration 32) and in the bent configuration when the footwear 10 is opened (in the open configuration 34), or the reverse. If the bistable element 88 is in the straight configuration when the footwear 10 is closed, the transition to the open configuration 34 may be assisted by the force of the bistable element 88 transitioning to the bent configuration and the bistable element 88 may provide a bias of the heel section 14 to achieve and/or remain in the open configuration 34. If the bistable element 88 is in the bent configuration when the footwear 10 is closed, the bias of the bistable element 88 to continue to curl or bend may provide a bias of the heel section 14 toward the closed configuration 32, and the transition to the closed configuration 32 may be assisted by the force of the bistable element 88 transitioning to the bent configuration.

In the closed configuration 32, the bistable element 88 is generally conformed to the shape of the user's heel and/or the shape of the footwear 10 from behind to under the user's heel. To open the heel section 14, the user must apply sufficient force (generally rearward) to overcome the magnetic force of the magnetic closures 60 and to cause the bistable element 88 to transition to the bent configuration or the straight configuration.

In the open configuration 34, the bistable element 88 may be in one configuration (the straight configuration or the bent configuration) that lifts, or elevates, a portion of the insole 28 away from the outsole 30 (as shown in FIG. 12). To close the heel section 14, the user must apply sufficient force to cause the bistable element 88 to transition to the other configuration (a generally downward force at the location of the heel). The transition of the bistable element 88 to the other configuration will bring the heel section 14 close enough to the front section 16 that the magnetic closures 60 may close and secure the heel section 14 in the closed configuration 32. Any additional bias of the bistable element 88 when the heel section 14 is closed may assist the magnetic closures in retaining the heel section 14 in the closed configuration 32.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate footwear 10 that incorporate a tether 90 as a biasing mechanism 84. The tether extends from the insole 28 under the user's heel to the inside of the heel section 14. The tether 90 may be non-elastic or elastic and is configured to remain slack (no significant tension) when the footwear 10 is in the closed configuration 32. Further, the tether 90 is configured to become taught (experiencing tension) and rise above the insole 28 when the footwear 10 is in the open configuration 34. Generally, the tether 90 is thin, flat, and/or flexible enough that it does not interfere with the padding and/or support provided by other elements of the footwear 10. For example, the tether 90 may be a ribbon or a thin cord.

In the closed configuration 32 of FIG. 13, the tether 90 provides no significant bias and remains generally under and/or behind the user's heel. In the open configuration 34 of FIG. 14, the tether extends above the back of the insole 28 (the region configured to receive the user's heel). When in the open configuration 34, the tether 90 may provide no significant bias or may provide bias sufficient to keep the heel section 14 from extending further rearward and/or downward. When the user's heel is pressed down on the raised tether 90 at the back of the insole 28, the tether 90 pulls the heel section 14 upward and/or forward to close the slits 50 and the tether 90 pulls the heel section 14 towards the closed configuration 32. The tether 90 may be configured such that the action of the user's heel may be sufficient to close the footwear 10 or sufficient to cause the magnetic closures 60 to close and secure the footwear 10.

Alternatively, the tether 90 may be configured to raise the heel section 14 enough to ease further actions to close the footwear 10 (such as manually closing).

Examples of footwear 10 according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:

A1. An article of footwear, comprising:

a shell including a heel section and a front section defining a lateral slit and a medial slit between the heel section and the front section;

a lateral magnetic closure associated with the lateral slit; and

a medial magnetic closure associated with the medial slit;

wherein the heel section is configured to support a user's heel when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are closed, and wherein the heel section is configured to flex rearward to expose a rear foot passage when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are open.

A1.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A1, wherein the article of footwear has a closed configuration in which the heel section is upright, the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and the medial magnetic closure is closed, optionally wherein the rear foot passage is exposed, optionally wherein the heel section is in contact with the front section at a lateral side and at a medial side, optionally wherein the lateral slit is closed, and optionally wherein the medial slit is closed.

A1.1.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A1.1, wherein in the closed configuration, the lateral magnetic closure is hidden and/or the medial magnetic closure is hidden.

A1.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A1.1.1, wherein the article of footwear has an open configuration in which the heel section is flexed rearward, the lateral magnetic closure is open, and the medial magnetic closure is open, optionally wherein the rear foot passage is covered, optionally wherein the heel section is not in contact with the front section, optionally wherein the lateral slit is open, and optionally wherein the medial slit is open.

A1.3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A1.2, wherein the heel section has a lateral forward edge and a medial forward edge, wherein the front section has a lateral rearward edge and a medial rearward edge, wherein the lateral slit is defined between the lateral forward edge of the heel section and the lateral rearward edge of the front section, and wherein the medial slit is defined between the medial forward edge of the heel section and the medial rearward edge of the front section.

A2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A1.3, wherein the article of footwear is configured for hands-free donning and/or hands-free removal.

A3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the article of footwear is configured for opening without requiring a user to manually open the article of footwear, for closing without requiring the user to manually close the article of footwear, for opening without requiring use of hands, and/or for closing without requiring use of hands.

A4. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein the article of footwear has a sole and an upper with a collar, and wherein the lateral slit extends from the collar towards the sole, optionally wherein the lateral slit extends from the collar to the sole, and optionally wherein the collar defines an upper foot opening through which a user's leg extends when the article of footwear is worn.

A5. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the article of footwear has a/the sole and an/the upper with a/the collar, and wherein the medial slit extends from the collar towards the sole, optionally wherein the medial slit extends from the collar to the sole, and optionally wherein the collar defines an upper foot opening through which a user's leg extends when the article of footwear is worn.

A6. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the lateral magnetic closure is configured to secure the lateral slit closed.

A7. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the medial magnetic closure is configured to secure the medial slit closed.

A8. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies.

A8.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A8, wherein each of the at least two magnetic assemblies independently includes at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic component, provided that at least one of the at least two magnetic assemblies includes a magnet.

A8.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A8-A8.1, wherein one of the at least two magnetic assemblies is configured to mate with another of the at least two magnetic assemblies.

A8.3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A8-A8.2, wherein each of the at least two magnetic assemblies includes a mating feature, optionally wherein the mating feature is selected from the group of a ridge, a groove, a slot, a tab, a flange, a stud, a projection, a protrusion, a recess, a cavity, a socket, a receptacle, and a hole.

A8.4. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A8-A8.3, wherein each of the magnetic assemblies includes a correlated magnet configured to align and to mate with the correlated magnet of another of the at least two magnetic assemblies.

A8.5. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A8-A8.4, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is enclosed by the heel section and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is enclosed by the front section.

A8.6. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A8-A8.5, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is at a/the lateral forward edge of the heel section and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is at a/the lateral rearward edge of the front section.

A9. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A8.6, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies.

A9.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A9, wherein each of the at least two magnetic assemblies independently includes at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic component, provided that at least one of the at least two magnetic assemblies includes a magnet.

A9.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A9-A9.1, wherein one of the at least two magnetic assemblies is configured to mate with another of the at least two magnetic assemblies.

A9.3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A9-A9.2, wherein each of the at least two magnetic assemblies includes a mating feature, optionally wherein the mating feature is selected from the group of a ridge, a groove, a slot, a tab, a flange, a stud, a projection, a protrusion, a recess, a cavity, a socket, a receptacle, and a hole.

A9.4. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A9-A9.3, wherein each of the magnetic assemblies includes a correlated magnet configured to align and to mate with the correlated magnet of another of the at least two magnetic assemblies.

A9.5. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A9-A9.4, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is enclosed by the heel section and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is enclosed by the front section.

A9.6. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A9-A9.5, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is at a/the medial forward edge of the heel section and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is at a/the medial rearward edge of the front section.

A10. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A9.6, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes a series of magnets spaced apart along the lateral slit.

A11. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes a series of magnets spaced apart along the medial slit.

A12. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes at least one of a discrete magnet, a sheet magnet, and a correlated magnet.

A13. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes at least one of a discrete magnet, a sheet magnet, and a correlated magnet.

A14. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the lateral magnetic closure is configured to open by peeling the lateral magnetic closure apart from the top of the lateral magnetic closure.

A15. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the medial magnetic closure is configured to open by peeling the medial magnetic closure apart from the top of the medial magnetic closure.

A16. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes a covering portion that protects a user's foot, while wearing the article of footwear, from exterior elements.

A16.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A16, wherein the covering portion is and/or includes at least one of a gasket, a seal, and a flap.

A17. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A16.1, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes a covering portion that protects a/the user's foot, while wearing the article of footwear, from exterior elements.

A17.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A17, wherein the covering portion is and/or includes at least one of a gasket, a seal, and a flap.

A18. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A17.1, wherein the shell includes a lateral side retainer assembly that includes a side retainer strap configured to selectively span the lateral slit when the lateral magnetic closure is closed.

A18.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A18, wherein the side retainer strap of the lateral side retainer assembly is connected to the heel section and is configured to be selectively coupled to the front section.

A18.1.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A18.1, wherein the side retainer strap of the lateral side retainer assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the heel section to selectively prevent the side retainer strap from spanning the lateral slit.

A18.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A18.1.1, wherein the side retainer strap of the lateral side retainer assembly is connected to the front section and is configured to be selectively coupled to the heel section.

A18.2.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A18.2, wherein the side retainer strap of the lateral side retainer assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the front section to selectively prevent the side retainer strap from spanning the lateral slit.

A18.3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A18-A18.2.1, wherein the lateral side retainer assembly includes a side retainer receiver connected to one of the heel section and the front section, and wherein the side retainer receiver is configured to selectively secure the side retainer strap of the lateral side retainer assembly against the one of the heel section and the front section.

A18.3.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A18.3, wherein the lateral side retainer assembly includes a first side retainer receiver connected to the heel section and a second side retainer assembly connected to the front section.

A19. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A18.3.1, wherein the shell includes a medial side retainer assembly that includes a side retainer strap configured to selectively span the medial slit when the medial magnetic closure is closed.

A19.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A19, wherein the side retainer strap of the medial side retainer assembly is connected to the heel section and is configured to be selectively coupled to the front section.

A19.1.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A19.1, wherein the side retainer strap of the medial side retainer assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the heel section to selectively prevent the side retainer strap from spanning the medial slit.

A19.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A19-A19.1.1, wherein the side retainer strap of the medial side retainer assembly is connected to the front section and is configured to be selectively coupled to the heel section.

A19.2.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A19.2, wherein the side retainer strap of the medial side retainer assembly is configured to be selectively coupled to the front section to selectively prevent the side retainer strap from spanning the medial slit.

A19.3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A19-A19.2.1, wherein the medial side retainer assembly includes a side retainer receiver connected to one of the heel section and the front section, and wherein the side retainer receiver is configured to selectively secure the side retainer strap of the medial side retainer assembly against the one of the heel section and the front section.

A19.3.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A19.3, wherein the medial side retainer assembly includes a first side retainer receiver connected to the heel section and a second side retainer assembly connected to the front section.

A20. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A19.3.1, wherein the heel section is biased towards a closed position of the heel section.

A20.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A20, wherein in the closed position, the heel section is upright, the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and the medial magnetic closure is closed.

A20.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A20-A20.1, further comprising a biasing mechanism that is configured to bias the heel section towards the closed position of the heel section, and optionally wherein the biasing mechanism includes at least one of a bistable element, a tether, and an elastic element.

A21. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A20.2, wherein the heel section is biased towards an open position of the heel section.

A21.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A21, wherein in the open position, the heel section is flexed rearward.

A21.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A21-A21.1, further comprising a biasing mechanism that is configured to bias the heel section towards the open position of the heel section, and optionally wherein the biasing mechanism includes at least one of a bistable element and an elastic element.

A22. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A1-A21.2, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to urge the article of footwear toward a/the closed position responsive to a user inserting the user's foot into the article of footwear.

A22.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A22, wherein the biasing mechanism is and/or includes a bistable element.

A22.2. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A22-A22.1, wherein the biasing mechanism is and/or includes a tether.

A22.3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A22-A22.2, wherein the biasing mechanism is and/or includes an elastic element.

A22.4. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A22-A22.3, wherein the biasing mechanism is at least partially in the heel section.

A22.5. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A22-A22.4, wherein the article of footwear includes an insole and wherein the biasing mechanism extends under the insole.

A22.6. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs A22-A22.5, wherein the article of footwear includes an insole and wherein in an/the open position, the biasing mechanism is raised above the insole, and optionally in tension.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus.

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It also is within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as being configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

The various disclosed elements of footwear and related methods of use disclosed herein are not required to all footwear and methods according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements and method steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more of the various elements and method steps disclosed herein may define independent inventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed footwear or method. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is not required to be associated with the specific footwear and methods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may find utility in footwear and/or methods that are not expressly disclosed herein.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable to the footwear and assistive devices industries.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. 

1. An article of footwear, comprising: a shell including a heel section and a front section defining a lateral slit and a medial slit between the heel section and the front section; a lateral magnetic closure associated with the lateral slit; and a medial magnetic closure associated with the medial slit; wherein the heel section is configured to support a heel of a user's foot when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are closed, and wherein the heel section is configured to flex rearward to expose a rear foot passage when the lateral magnetic closure and the medial magnetic closure are open.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear has a closed configuration in which the heel section is upright, the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and the medial magnetic closure is closed, and wherein the article of footwear has an open configuration in which the heel section is flexed rearward, the lateral magnetic closure is open, and the medial magnetic closure is open.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is at a lateral forward edge of the heel section, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is at a lateral rearward edge of the front section, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is at a medial forward edge of the heel section, and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is at a medial rearward edge of the front section.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure and at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure are enclosed by the heel section and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure and at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure are enclosed by the front section.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure is hidden when the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and wherein the medial magnetic closure is hidden when the medial magnetic closure is closed.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear has a sole and an upper with a collar, wherein the lateral slit extends from the collar towards the sole, and wherein the medial slit extends from the collar towards the sole.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure is configured to secure the lateral slit closed, and wherein the medial magnetic closure is configured to secure the medial slit closed, wherein the lateral slit is closed and the medial slit is closed when the heel section is upright and in contact with the front section at a lateral side and at a medial side.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes a series of magnets spaced apart along the lateral slit, and wherein the medial magnetic closure includes a series of magnets spaced apart along the medial slit.
 9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes a correlated magnet, and wherein the medial magnetic closure includes a correlated magnet.
 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies, wherein the medial magnetic closure includes at least two magnetic assemblies, wherein each of the at least two magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure independently includes at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic component, provided that at least one of the at least two magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure includes a magnet, and wherein each of the at least two magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure independently includes at least one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic component, provided that at least one of the at least two magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure includes a magnet.
 11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein each of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure includes a correlated magnet configured to align and to mate with the correlated magnet of another of the at least two magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure, and wherein each of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure includes a correlated magnet configured to align and to mate with the correlated magnet of another of the at least two magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure.
 12. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is enclosed by the heel section, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the lateral magnetic closure is enclosed by the front section, wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is enclosed by the heel section, and wherein at least one of the magnetic assemblies of the medial magnetic closure is enclosed by the front section.
 13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lateral magnetic closure is configured to open by peeling the lateral magnetic closure apart from the top of the lateral magnetic closure, and wherein the medial magnetic closure is configured to open by peeling the medial magnetic closure apart from the top of the medial magnetic closure.
 14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the shell includes a lateral side retainer assembly that includes a lateral side retainer strap configured to selectively span the lateral slit when the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and wherein the shell includes a medial side retainer assembly that includes a medial side retainer strap configured to selectively span the medial slit when the medial magnetic closure is closed.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a bistable element, wherein the bistable element is configured to bias the heel section towards a closed position of the heel section, and wherein in the closed position, the heel section is upright, the lateral magnetic closure is closed, and the medial magnetic closure is closed.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a bistable element, wherein the bistable element is configured to bias the heel section towards an open position of the heel section, and wherein in the open position, the heel section is flexed rearward and the rear foot passage is exposed.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to close the article of footwear after a user has inserted the user's foot into the article of footwear.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a bistable element at least partially in the heel section.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the article of footwear includes an insole, and wherein the biasing mechanism is raised above the insole in tension when the heel is flexed rearward and the rear foot passage is exposed.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear is configured for opening without requiring use of hands and for closing without requiring use of hands. 